On Monday, December 27, 2021 Saint Bernadette Parish welcomes families with special needs to an inclusive Christmas Mass at 7 PM. The wheelchair accessible church is located at 5930 South Abbott Road in Orchard Park. Father Bob Owczarczak, celebrant, will offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation at 6 PM. The Mass will be live-streamed on Saint Bernadette’s Facebook page.
The Mass offers a shorter, less crowded worship setting allowing people to move freely as needed. The lighting will be dimmer, the music soothing and low gluten hosts will be available. Sister Conchetta LoPresti OSF will interpret the Mass through American Sign Language. Connie Lyndon shared, “Our son Daniel thoroughly enjoyed his first Christmas Mass at age 22! We have often made visits to church when we would not disturb anyone. When we were greeted at the door with open arms and great big smiles, we knew that this ‘first Christmas Mass’ was where we belonged.”
The Mass will feature the song Christ In Creation written by Brielle Stewart, a classical music composer and conductor who is non-speaking and types to talk and compose.
This event is sponsored by the Open Doors Ministry which advocates for the inclusion of people with disabilities into the life of the parish. Questions may be directed to Sharon Urbaniak at 716-648-1720 extension 3 or [email protected].
Masks are required throughout the Mass according to Erie County and Diocese of Buffalo Guidelines for Covid.